By May Zhee Lim, Markets Media Life Correspondent 

In many areas of New York, it’s hard to walk down the street and not marvel at our architectural wonders, whether it’s the 19th century building with ornate terracotta facade or dazzling metal-and-glass structures of new urban architecture a la the New School University Center on 14th Street and 5th Avenue. On October 11-12, Open House New York is opening hundreds of these buildings and sites across the five boroughs for the public to explore, discover, and pay tribute to the city’s vibrant architectural scene.

Most sites are free and open during the times listed in the event guide while some require advance reservations and a $5 fee. The line-up features landmarks that range from historic to contemporary, residential to commercial, from cutting edge designs of college campuses to the serene landscapes of Frederick Law Olmstead. As part of OHNY’s mission is to deepen our understanding of the city’s buildings and infrastructure, the Weekend has planned for architects, design practitioners, historians, and city officials to lead tours in these sites.

In studio tours of architects and designers, outsiders can expect a rare glimpse into the creative minds of the industry and their equally inventive work spaces, a lot of which double as their living spaces. The architects and designers themselves will be present to speak about the fascinating concepts behind their studios, and to share with the public their past and upcoming projects in the city.

There are also many special events apart from the main attractions, happening before and during the Weekend itself. The factory tours on Friday showcase the kinds of things made in the city, and how they are made. Night tours of the city explore how the lighting of major landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, are designed and executed. Families are encouraged to bring their children to the events – the Weekend is packed with scavenger hunts, workshops, and other interactive events to get kids excited about OHNY too.

In studio tours of architects and designers, outsiders can expect a rare glimpse into the creative minds of the industry and their equally inventive work spaces, a lot of which double as their living spaces. The architects and designers themselves will be present to speak about the fascinating concepts behind their studios, and to share with the public their past and upcoming projects in the city.

To skip the wait lines at some of the more popular non-reserved spaces, you can purchase OHNY passports for two visitors starting $150 on this website. For those interested in attending the launch party on Thursday, October 9, tickets range from $75 to $500, and all proceeds go to OHNY Weekend.

Featured image Flickr/Timothy Vogel